What Could Be… If NFL GMs Thought Like Us

The one and only Sal Conti (@SC2Sports) and myself (@TheFFBoss) decided we’ve had enough of these mocks that consist primarily of “real” football players and decided to go a different direction. What if NFL GMs were only allowed to draft skill position players like us Dynasty Diehards? Well, we did exactly that. Using the draft order available at the time (current as of 7 PM Draft Day) we went through and drafted rookies based on who we think fits a teams offensive needs. Obviously the draft will never go down like this, but it would be pretty awesome if it were to happen, right?

I took the all the odd picks, and Sal took the even picks. Enjoy what could have been!

With a solid offensive cast and the QB situation addressed this offseason, the Cheifs need a playmaker across from the sure handed Bowe. While Bowe has proven he could be a WR1, in today’s NFL there is no reason to avoid having receiving options. Smith doesn’t like throwing into tight windows, but with a WR able to take the defensive attention off of him holes should open up and Austin is known for finding soft spots in coverage.

The Jags already have a deep threat in Cecil Shorts, another good young receiver in Blackmon and a steady running game w/ MJD. Geno would provide some stability in Jacksonville at the QB position, as well as some fireworks here and there.

With the progression Streater and Moore have made recently the raiders may not “need” another WR, but Patterson is more than that. He’s comfortable playing out of the backfield and wouldn’t require an offensive change up when McFadden gets hurt. Plus, what do the raiders love? Speed.

With Austin, Patterson and Geno gone, I now look to the next best receiver for Philly to ‘draft.’ Eifert is tall, lanky, sneakily agile and has great hands, maybe the best out of all receivers in the draft. His ability to spread the field would assist Chip Kelly in a big way.

Lions select Justin Hunter. Sick of looking for a real WR2 to complement Megatron, Mayhew selects a WR with all the tangible characteristics you look for in a receiver and hopes CJ can help fix the drops.

Although Lacy may be the better back, Franklin has a blend of power and elusiveness that can help to mask the soft O line. He also provides a nice dump off option for Palmer we which know Carson loves to abuse.

EJ provides the most fantasy upside over any other incoming rookie QB this year. At his peak, he could become the next Cam Newton. Big with a strong arm with great top end speed. Good pick in this type of draft.

With their first pick in this draft the Jets take Nassib to replace the woeful Butt-fumbler. Kerley, Hill, and Holmes represent a respectable receiving corp, and they can address RB later in the draft or with an Ivory trade.

Sick of Ryan Mathews’ injury issues, the Chargers take the most reliable RB in the draft, Montee Ball. Avoiding Lacy due to durability concerns, the Chargers hope Mathews and Woodhead can compliment Ball on passing downs.

With the talent pool drying out very quickly, the Dolphins nab the only other tight end worthy of a first round grade in the actual NFL Draft, Zach Ertz. He’s tough, blocks well and makes tons of catches; definitely a solid security blanket for Tannehill.

If the Jets can’t get a trade for Ivory done by their 13th pick, why not draft the best grinder available? Lacy can step in immediately and play 3 downs if necessary, although the Jets would likely spell him with Goodson or McKnight.

With the majority of stud RBs off the board, Carolina firms up the WR core for their Franchise QB Cam Newton. Patton catches everything and runs crisp routes. If he reaches his potential he could end up having a Greg Jennings – esque career.

There’s nothing Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers love to do more than run, and Michael would create a whole new offensive headache for opposing DCs. Capable of running inside or out, all he needs to do is grow up.

The Bengals are looking for a player who can put the offense over the top. Expecting Sanu and Hawkins to step up this year the organization takes a three down back capable of carrying the load in the SEC.

Looking for an explosive compliment to Jennings, the Vikings select Markus Wheaton with their first selection. He’s capable of stretching the field and making big plays. He’s a big boost to Ponder and the MIN offense.

Knowing AP has a few years left, the Vikes take a dangerous running back who fell due to injury concerns. The ceiling is sky high for Lattimore, and the Vikes have the most reliable RB in the game for him to heal (and learn) behind.

While he is raw, the former Marshall University WR has a big frame and can make big plays, just like another former Marshall wideout, Randy Moss. Dobson could lead an NFL team’s receiving core in a few years.

With no real needs on offense the 9ers can take a developmental pick capable of being used as trade bait down the line and a spot starter now. Bray has the tools to be a successful QB and giving him a redshirt season to mature will do him a world of good.

With the WR position depleted, the Ravens groom their future QB. Dysert has serious potential and could become the next Ben Roethlisburger.

And there you have it- how the first round SHOULD go. Be sure to let us know in the comments or on twitter what you would have done differently at @SC2Sports for Sal and @TheFFBoss to get in contact with me.